Fall Ice Age Trail Hike: Discover Wisconsin’s Glacial Legacy | October 7, 2026
Registration Open Now!
Registration closes on Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Details
Experience the colors of autumn on Wisconsin’s iconic Ice Age National Scenic Trail during this October hiking adventure. Journey along the scenic 5.9-mile Plover River Segment, with the option to extend your day by hiking the 3.5-mile connecting route and/or the 2.6-mile Dells of the Eau Claire Segment. As you explore forests, rivers, and striking glacial landscapes, veteran trail guides will bring the region’s fascinating Ice Age history to life, helping you discover how glaciers shaped the terrain beneath your feet thousands of years ago. Every mile you hike counts toward the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s annual Mammoth Challenge held each October, making this an ideal opportunity to combine lifelong learning, personal accomplishment, and the camaraderie of fellow hiking enthusiasts. Your day also includes comfortable motorcoach transportation with an onboard restroom, a boxed lunch, and experienced veteran trail guides, allowing you to enjoy the journey and the beauty of Wisconsin in peak fall color.
Hike Information
The first section we hike will be the Plover River Segment which is 5.9 miles long and a premier woodland hike known for its deep, mossy hardwood forests, cedar groves, and extensive boardwalks traversing low-lying wetlands. The trail hugs the meandering Plover River, passing beautiful glacial erratics and moraine features.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
- Terrain: Mostly flat, rolling glacial terrain.
- Key Features: Long, sometimes slippery boardwalks.
- Underfoot: Dirt trails with exposed roots.
The second section will be the connecting route between the two segments which is 3.5 miles long. Hikers may opt to ride the bus to the next segment instead of hiking the connecting route.
We anticipate eating our boxed lunches at the Dells of the Eau Claire before hiking that segment.
The third hike is the Dells of the Eau Claire Segment which is 2.6 miles long andis famous for its dramatic geology. Located within the Dells of the Eau Claire County Park, it features a rugged, cascading gorge where the Eau Claire River cuts through ancient mylonite bedrock. The trail offers scenic rock-hopping and photogenic river views.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Terrain: Short, rugged, and uneven trail.
- Key Features: Steep drops along the gorge.
- Underfoot: Slippery rocks and exposed roots.
Registration Information
- General Public: $120 per person
- LIFE Members: $100 per person
- UWSP Staff/Student/Alumni: $100 per person
- Veteran: $100 per person
- Youth: $100 per person
Final payment is due by August 25th, 2026. If you have not paid for your registration, you may do so by calling UW-Stevens Point Continuing Education at 715-346-3838, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., to pay by credit card. We accept Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
Boxed lunch options are:
- Roast Beef and Cheese Wrap with Horseradish Mayo
- Turkey and Cheese Wrap with Cranberry Mayo
- Boxed Garden Salad, with or without the Garlic and Herb Roasted Chicken Breast
Each boxed lunch also includes side of fresh fruit, potato chips, a cookie, and bottle of water.
Pickup Information
Stevens Point Pick Up
Bus Loading Location: Parking lot in front of Dunham’s Sports, corner closest to McDonald’s (HWY 10, Stevens Point)
Bus Loading Time: 7:15 a.m. (Please be on time)
Bus Departure from Stevens Point: 7:30 a.m.
Wausau Pick Up
Bus Loading Location: Cedar Creek Mall – 10101 Market Street, Rothchild; please park closer to the road/median in front of the Expo Center.
Bus Loading Time: 8:00 a.m. (Please be on time)
Bus Departure from Wausau: 8:10 a.m.
Physical Requirements
Must be able to walk 6 + miles at one time on mostly dirt trails.
Any further questions, please email adventure.tours@uwsp.edu.
Cancellation Policy
Since we make financial commitments in advance, no refunds will be issued for cancellations. However, you may send a substitute in your place. Please email us at uwspceweb@uwsp.edu to inform us of the substitution.
continuing education Information
Please contact Continuing Education and Outreach at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu for registration questions.
Please identify any accessibility needs at registration, including mobility, seating, transportation, dietary, and communication needs. Some activities involve stairs, walking, uneven surfaces, or limited accessibility. Early notice helps us plan reasonable accommodations. We are unable to guarantee last-minute changes or provide personal physical assistance that requires staff to lift, carry, or physically support participants. Requests are reviewed individually so we can plan appropriate accommodations in advance.
Please contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspceweb@uwsp.edu.
